The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1887-01-12
MR.. VOORHEES, VIEWS.
What He Thinks of the Legislative situa-
ton and the Supreme Court Decision.

Indianapolis Correspondence Courier-Journal.I
"what do you think OF the political situation
nowY' 1 asked Senator Voorhees, this morning.
We had been discussing the decision Of the SD
preme Court in the Lieutenant-G oYernonhip
middle.
Said Senator Voorhees,: There is no cause for
apprehension on the part Of the Democrats.
There is only need for increasing vigilance. har-
monious action and answering determination.
This blessed trio are now supreme in the Demo
cratic camp. There is no indifference, there is
not an element of discord, and not a man thinks
of surrender. We all know with what bold, des
perate and interruptions enemy we have to deal"
'what do you think OF the decision of the
Supreme Courtg'
81 have not fully considered it; but from
hasty reading it seems to me.the court has fort
fed itself with authorities and reasoning to show
its want Of jurisdiction. 1 was doubtful myself
about the question Of jurisdiction. l have never
had any doubt on the main question. In my opIn-
ion, the election of LieutenantGovernorl last
fell was nullity, and Mr. Robertson has no sort
of title to the Office. But the Supreme Court hay
ing failed to advise the Legislature about the mat
ter, owing to its want of Jurisdiction, the Senate
must now pass upon the question. II the Senate
believes that Robertson IS not Lieutenant-Gov-
ernor, the Senate will stultfy itself if it permits
him to assume the position. In the absence OF
any 40 publication on the subject the Senate must
determine the matter"
"Whst viii probably be the line OF conduct i'll
the organization OF the Senator
Green Smith VIII be reelected President pro
tempore Of the Senate. He is no doubt entitled
to hold over by vrture Of his election at the last
t, rm, but that question can be so-ved by his re-
election. The Senators will insist on his right to
the position and VIII refue to recognize Mr..
Robertson. This position need not start any cry
of revolution. The Democrats of the Senate have
a right to their opinions In this matter and hav
ing such opinions the common liberty of man
kind iustifes their maintaining them. Mr.. Rob-
ertson can not complain if the Senate denies his
authority to become its presiding officer. So far
as Green Smith is concerned, that gentleman has
done all in hispOwer to relieve the question Of en-
barrsssment and ENHANCEMENT We all greatly
hoped that the problem might have been settled
on Mr. Smiths application fsr Injunction. Since
that could not be done, twill do no harm for MT
Robertson to try the courts awhile. The decision
against Senator Smiths application has not
strengthened Mr.. RObertsons application one
iola, because the merits of the controversy were
not touched by the court"
Suppose Mr.. Robertson should endeavOr to
force himself upon the Senator
ABOUT PHYSICAL CONTEST.
Senator Voorhees, face flushed. 81 hope" said
he, "the Democrats of the Senate and the Demo-
Gratis of this State can protect themselves against
usurpation. Mr.. Robertson will hardly care to
| try any violent methods, nor will his friends
likely advise such proceedings. If, however, | am
mistaken IN this, and the question of who is the
presiding officer of the Senate is to be settled by
physical contest think voice the sentiments OF
| all the Democrats OF Indiana when ] say, with
emphasis, they ready for such contest.
| They do not seek it; they do not invite it, but
they will do nothing to escape it. We have won a
victory, do not propose to be violently de-
prived of its fruits. But there is no occasion for
| trouble. Mr.. Robertson can present his claims to
| the courts, and he will soon know whether he is
Lieutensnt-Governoro or not. If the courts decide
that be is, the Democrats Will promptly acquiesce
in that decision. But until ne is backed by thai
decision the Democrats believe he is not invested
with the authority OF Office, and they will act &C
cording TO that belief"